East Central Reporter

The Village of Robbins, Illinois, has enacted a new ordinance regarding the compensation of elected officials that contravenes state law. The ordinance was passed by the Board of Trustees on October 1, 2024.

According to established legal standards, compensation for elected officials should apply to the office itself rather than the individual holding it. Any attempt to differentiate pay based on years of service or whether an official is serving their first term or as an incumbent is not permissible. Furthermore, under Article VII Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution, it is prohibited to alter compensation during an official's term.

Additionally, compensation should not be based on fabricated "qualifications" beyond those specified in the election code and municipal code. However, Robbins' newly passed ordinance appears to have ignored these stipulations.

"We urge the Village of Robbins to reconsider and revoke this compensation-setting ordinance and bring forth a new one that will be in compliance with current law; base it on the office, not the office holder."